Modular stage assembly

ABSTRACT

A platform assembly ( 10 ) is provided having a framework ( 12 ) comprising: a plurality of connector nodes ( 16 ), each of which has a single leg ( 18 ) extending downwards therefrom. A plurality of frame bars ( 20 ) extend between the connector nodes ( 16 ) and connect thereto by frame ends attached to either end of each frame bar ( 20 ). A plurality of platform boards ( 14 ) are supported on said framework ( 12 ). The platform assembly ( 10 ) may have a number of layers (A, B) of framework interconnected to one another in a vertical orientation through the connector nodes ( 16 ) and legs ( 18 ).

The present invention relates to stages, in particular to a modular demountable staging system.

Modular demountable staging systems are known in the art and are commonly used where it is necessary to temporarily erect a stage, or where it is necessary to have a stage that can easily be reconfigured in a number of positions.

Such a system known in the art is the “Q-build” system from Stage Systems Ltd. In this system a plurality of welded framework sections, each having legs and cross-members are arranged adjacent one another after which a piece of stage surface is placed upon each framework. To maintain the alignment of the individual frameworks adjacent legs are attached to one another in a moveable way. The metal welded framework constructions are designed such that by off-setting them from another they can be stacked in a relatively compact manner.

Although the above mentioned system is commercially successful there are a number of problems associated with them. In particular, even though the legs of adjacent frameworks are joined to one another the frameworks remain separate pieces and are, therefore, liable to slight relative movement. As each apex of four adjacent frameworks has four legs associated therewith, each of which are capable of slight relative movement then, especially in systems where multiple layers of stage may be required to be stacked upon one another. However, these relative movements can build up within the system.

Another disadvantage with the systems is that, although the frameworks are designed to tessellate so as to be stored in a relatively compact manner the volume required for their storage does include a large amount of wasted storage space.

The present invention proposes an improved modular demountable staging assembly.

According to the present invention there is provided a platform assembly comprising: a framework comprising a plurality of connector nodes, a single leg extending downwards from each connecting node, and a plurality of frame bars extending between the connector nodes and removably connectable thereto by frame ends attached to either end of each frame bar; and a plurality of platform boards supported on said framework.

In this manner, as the legs and connector modes are completely detachable from the frame bars, the framework structure proposed herein can be disassembled into a plurality of single substantially straight elongate parts which enables them to be stored in a very compact manner.

Preferably the connector nodes are securely connectable to the legs, and the frame ends are securely connectable to the frame bars. More preferably the secure connection is by means of push fit without additional mechanical fixing means. Furthermore, the connector nodes and the frame ends are preferably made from a reinforced mouldable material, for example a glass filled polymer, preferably nylon. In this manner, the manufacturing of the platform assembly is simplified in that the component parts are either moulded parts or are straight sections cut from lengths of tube and/or extrusion.

Preferably at least some of the connecting nodes connected to frame bars supporting at least two platform boards.

In a preferred embodiment each connector node receives, at least in part, a plurality of frame ends. Each connector node may comprise a plurality of holes therein for at least partially receiving a frame end in an upper opening thereof, each hole extending along a substantially vertical axis. Preferably each frame end comprises a retention member for insertion into one of said holes, each said retention members substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame bars. In a preferred arrangement each connector node comprises four holes substantially at 90° to one another about a central axis of the connector node. In this manner a framework can be assembled so as to support a rectangular array of platform boards.

In a preferred embodiment the holes in each connector node are tapered holes, and each frame end comprises a tapered peg, the tapered pegs being receivable in the tapered holes. Preferably the maximum insertion of the tapered pegs into the tapered holes is determined by contact between the end of the tapered peg and a limitation feature in the tapered hole. In a preferred arrangement the tapered holes may be blind holes, the end face of the blind holes being the limitation feature such that, in their fully inserted position, the ends of the tapered pegs of the frame ends abut the end surface of the blind tapered holes. Preferably the tapered holes are square-sided tapered holes.

In this manner, the tapered pegs and holes can be used to securely locate one part in the other, and the square sides can be used to assist in the orientation of the frame bars relative to the connector node to assist in obtaining a reliable rectangular frame construction. By providing blind holes and allowing for the end of the tapered pegs to bottom out in these holes then downward pressure exerted on the pegs, for example that applied by people walking on the platform during use, will not force the tapered peg further into the tapered holes and will therefore prevent the parts becoming jammed inside one another.

Preferably each frame end comprises a separator fin extending therefrom and aligned with a central axis of the frame bars and each platform board is located within the boundaries of the separator fins.

In a preferred embodiment the platform assembly may further comprise a plurality of foot locators insertable into the node connectors for receiving the feet of legs extending from node connectors vertically therefrom. In this manner legs can be vertically stacked on top of one another whilst retaining a strong and reliable connection, and location, therebetween.

Preferably the foot locators comprise a plurality of webs extending downwards therefrom, the plurality of webs being insertable into the node connector to locate the foot locator therein. More preferably each foot locator comprises four perpendicular webs extending downwards therefrom. The perpendicular webs are preferably of the same width, or narrower than, the separator fins such that, in use, when aligned with the separator fins the webs can pass between the platform boards into a connector node there beneath.

Preferably the frame ends comprise a recess therein for accepting the end of the frame bar. The frame end may comprise, within the recess, a protrusion for, in use, locating in a hollow end of the frame bar, and preferably at least one of the recess and/or the protrusion comprise a plurality of ribs thereon, the ribs contacting the frame bar during use. In this manner the frame bar is located in the frame end by both its interior and exterior surfaces.

In a preferred arrangement the connector nodes comprise a recess therein for accepting the top end of a leg. The connector nodes may further comprise, within the recess, a protrusion for, in use, locating in the hollow top end of the legs. Preferably at least one of the recesses and the protrusion of the connector node comprise a plurality of ribs thereon, the ribs contacting the leg ends during use. In a single manner therefore the legs are located in the connect leg by both their interior and their exterior surfaces.

in a preferred embodiment the platform may further comprise an edging strip at allowed edge thereof, the edging strip being parallel to at least one frame bar and being connectable to the connector nodes.

The platform assembly may further comprising at least one handrail post attached to the framework by a handrail post support having a tapered peg thereon which, in use, is received in a tapered hole of a connector node. Preferably it further comprises at least one handrail post locator comprising a tubular section for receiving the lower end of a handrail post therein and a tapered peg which, in use, is received in a tapered hole of a connector node.

The platform assembly may comprise a plurality of layers of framework, interconnected to one another in a vertical orientation through connector nodes, foot locators and legs.

The platform assembly may be arranged in a tiered platform wherein the upper framework of each tier supports platform boards.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a section of assembled stage, according to the invention;

FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 are top, side, bottom and perspective views of a connector node according to the invention;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are side, bottom and end views of a frame end according to the invention;

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are top, side and bottom views of a foot locator according to the invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are top and side views of a handrail post support according to the invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are top and side views of a handrail post locator according to the invention; and

FIG. 16 is a side view of a connector node assembly of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 a platform assembly 10 is shown comprising a framework 12 and a plurality of platform boards 14 supported on the framework 12. The framework 12 comprises a plurality of connector nodes 16 each having a single leg 18 extending downwards therefrom. The connector nodes 16 are interconnected with one another by frame bars 20 so as to construct a framework 12 in a substantially rectangular pattern.

As shown the framework assembly may be constructed in a layered manner, in this case having two layers “A” and “B”. The legs 18 of layer “B” locate in the connector nodes 16 of layer “A” thereby interconnecting the two layers. In such an arrangement it is only necessary to place platform boards 14 on the upper most surface of the framework 12.

As will be appreciated multiple layers of platform assembly may be built up in this manner to form a layered or stepped seating or stage area.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the connector node 16 is shown. The connector node 16 is made of glass reinforced polymers and is substantially cylindrical in shape having a first portion 22, having a reduced diameter, for receiving therein a leg 16. Reduced section 22 has a central protrusion 24 therein, the protrusion 24 having a number of radial ribs 26 extending outwards therefrom.

In use the leg 16 is held tightly between the ribs 26 and the reduced section of the connector node 22 so as to firmly hold it in place.

Reinforcement ribs 28 extend between the reduced section 22 of the connector node 16 and the enlarged main body area thereof. The connector node 16 has a plurality of tapered holes 30 therein in its upper surface 32 which are substantially square in cross section. Extending from the upper surface 32 are a series of castellations 34 creating channels in which, in use, the frame ends locate so as to maintain them perpendicular to one another.

The top surface 32 of the connector node 16 has therein a stepped central bore 36 for, in use, receiving a foot locator (see FIGS. 9 to 11).

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 a frame end 38 is shown. In use the frame end connects to a frame bar and attaches it to a connector node 16. The frame end 38 comprises of a one piece moulding made of a glass filled polymer material.

The moulding comprises a substantially rectangular section 40 having a tapered peg 42 attached to and adjacent one end thereof. The substantially rectangular section 40 is hollow for receiving a rectangular tubular frame bar therein. Extending within the centre of the hollow section is a substantially rectangular protrusion 44 which, in use, locates within the hollow end of a tubular frame bar. The protrusion 44 has a plurality of ribs 46 extending therefrom to ensure that a tight contact with the interior surface of the frame bar is obtained.

The tubular peg 42 is dimensioned so as to locate within the tapered holes 30 within the connector node 16. As both the tapered hole 30 and the tapered peg 42 have substantially the same taper, connection will be made between the two parts substantially along the length of the peg. In use, the lower end 48 of the tapered peg 42 bottoms out in the bottom surface 50 of the tapered holes 30. In this manner, the tapered peg 42 is prevented from becoming too firmly wedged in the tapered hole 30, thereby ensuring that it can be removed therefrom.

The frame end 38 comprises a section 52 which has substantially perpendicular sides. In use, this section locates between the castellations 34 of the connector node 16 thereby ensuring that the frame end is maintained in a position substantially at 90° to other frame ends located in the same connector node 16.

The frame ends 38 have a separator fin 54 extending perpendicularly from the upper surface thereof in its central plane. The separator fins 54 act to maintain, in use, platform boards 14 in a slightly spaced arrangement and aligned with the frame ends 38.

Frame ends 38 further comprises a reinforcement rib 56 on their lower surface, the reinforcement rib, 56, in use, lies adjacently connector node 16 in alignment with the webs 28 thereof. Reinforcement rib 56 in combination with web 28 acts together to more evenly transfer force from the frame bars in to the legs of the framework.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 a foot locator 58 is shown. The foot locator 58 comprises a substantially hollow tubular top section 60 and a webbed lower section 62. In use, the webbed lower section 62 locates in the central hole 36 in the top surface of a connector node and the hollow upper section 60 extends vertically therefrom. The hollow upper section 60 can receive therein a leg of an upper level of the framework 12.

The lower webbed section 62 comprises four substantially perpendicular webs which can pass between platform boards 14, separated by separator fins 54 of the frame ends 38, and locate in a stepped hole 36 of the connector node 16. The webs 64 are stepped such that each section thereof may locate in a step of the hole 36.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, handrail post supports (FIGS. 12 and 13) and handrail post locators (FIGS. 14 and 15) are shown. Handrail support 66 attaches permanently, or semi-permanently, for example by means of rivets or screws, to a tubular handrail post. The handrail support has a cuffed surface 68 which, in use, abuts the tubular outer surface of a handrail post.

The handrail support 66 has a tubular peg 42 as described in reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. In use, tapered peg 42 locates in the connector node 16 in the same way as does the tapered peg 42 of the frame end 38. In use the handrail supports are used to attach handrail posts to the exterior edge of a platform assembly 10.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a handrail post locator 70 is shown. The handrail post locator 70 comprises a generally tubular section 72 and a tapered peg 42 attached to and adjacent one side thereof. In use, the tapered peg 42 of the handrail post locator 70 will be located in a tapered hole 30 of a connector node 16 directly below the connector node in which the handrail post support is located. The lower end of the handrail post connected to the handrail post support 66 passes into and through the hollow tubular section 72 of the handrail post locator 70.

In use, the location of the handrail post support 66 on the handrail post can be used to determine the extension of the handrail post above the connector node to which the handrail post support 66 is attached and the lower end of the post, irrespective of its length, can be located in vertical alignment with the handrail post locator 70.

Referring to FIG. 16, a connector node joint of a framework assembly is shown. As can be seen the connector node 16 receives a leg 18 in the lower end thereof and a leg locator 58 in the upper end thereof such that a further leg 18 (not shown) may be located in the leg locator 58.

A frame end 38 locates in the connector node 16 and attaches a frame bar 12 thereto. Furthermore, a handrail post support 66 is located in the node connector 16 and supports a handrail 74 in a position offset from the leg 18 extending from the connector node 16.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person although the description herein refers to connector nodes capable of connecting rectangular arrays of framework it is also within the scope of the invention and will be obvious to the skilled person that the number of frame ends receivable in a connector node 16, and the spacing of their orientation therearound, enables other arrangements, for example triangular arrays, to be created within the platform framework 12, and that the platform boards 14 will be shaped accordingly to match the shape of the framework array.

As the framework of the present invention can simply be broken down in to a number of straight tubular sections, the legs and frame bars, with respective connector nodes and frame ends attached, and a plurality of moulded plastic parts (foot locators/handrail post locators), the platform assembly of the present invention is easy to connect in any desired shape and can be broken down in to a very compactly storable size with minimum wasted storage volume. Furthermore, as singular connector node points interlink the supports for adjacent platform boards a very rigid structure is thereby enabled. 

1. A platform assembly comprising; a framework comprising: a plurality of connector nodes, each having a single leg extending downwards therefrom, a plurality of frame bars extending between said connector nodes and connectable thereto by frame ends attached to either end of each said frame bar, and a plurality of platform boards supported on said framework.
 2. A platform assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said connector nodes connect to frame bars supporting at least two said platform boards.
 3. A platform assembly according to claim 1 wherein each said connector node receives, at least in part, a plurality of said frame ends.
 4. A platform according to claim 3 wherein each said connector node comprises a plurality of holes therein for at least partially receiving a said frame end in an upper opening thereof, each said hole extending along a substantially vertical axis.
 5. A platform according to claim 4 wherein each said frame end comprises a retention member for insertion into one of said holes, each said retention member substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame bars.
 6. A platform according to claim 4 wherein each said connector node comprises four said holes substantially at ninety degree to one another about a central axis of said connector node.
 7. A platform assembly according to claim 4 wherein in each said connector node said holes are tapered holes and said retention means of each said frame end comprises a tapered peg, said tapered pegs being receivable in said tapered holes.
 8. A platform assembly according to claim 7 wherein the maximum insertion of said tapered pegs into said tapered holes is determined by contact between the end of said tapered peg and a limitation feature in said tapered hole.
 9. A platform assembly according to claim 8 wherein said tapered holes are blind holes and, in their fully inserted position, the ends of said tapered pegs abut the end surface of said tapered holes.
 10. A platform assembly according to claim 1 wherein each said frame end comprises a separator fin extending vertically therefrom and aligned with the central axis of said frame bars and wherein each said platform board is located within the boundaries of said separator fins.
 11. A platform assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of foot locators insertable into said connector nodes for receiving feet of legs extending from said connector nodes vertically spaced therefrom.
 12. A platform assembly according to claim 11 wherein each said foot locator comprises plurality of webs that are insertable into one of said connector nodes to locate said foot locator therein.
 13. A platform assembly according to claim 12 wherein each said foot locator comprises four perpendicular webs extending therefrom.
 14. A platform assembly according to claim 13 wherein the said perpendicular webs are of the same width, or narrower than, said separator fins such that when aligned with said separator fins said webs can pass between said platform boards into one of said connector nodes therebeneath.
 15. A platform assembly according to claim 1 wherein said frame ends comprise a recess therein for accepting the end of a said frame bar.
 16. A platform assembly according to claim 15 wherein said frame ends further comprise, within said recess, a protrusion for locating in a hollow end of a frame bar.
 17. A platform assembly according to claim 15 wherein at least one of said recess and said protrusion comprise a plurality of ribs thereon, said ribs contacting said frame bar ends.
 18. A platform assembly according to claim 1 wherein said connector nodes comprise a recess therein for receiving the top end of one of said legs.
 19. A platform assembly according to claim 18 wherein each said connector nodes further comprises, within said recess, a protrusion for locating in a hollow top end of said leg received therein.
 20. A platform assembly according to claim 18 wherein at least one of said recesses and said protrusion of said connector node comprise a plurality of ribs thereon, said ribs contacting said leg ends during use.
 21. A platform assembly according claim 1 wherein said connector nodes, and/or said frame bar ends and/or said foot locators comprise glass reinforced plastics.
 22. A platform assembly according to claim 1 further comprising an edging strip at an outer edge thereof, said edging strip being parallel to at least one said frame bar and connectable to said connector nodes.
 23. A platform assembly according to claim 18 comprising a plurality of layers of framework, interconnected to one another in a vertical orientation through said connector nodes and said legs.
 24. A platform assembly according to claim 7 further comprising at least one handrail post attached to said framework by a handrail post support having a tapered peg thereon which is received in said tapered hole of a said connector node.
 25. A platform assembly according to claim 24 further comprising at least one handrail post locator comprising a tubular section for receiving the lower end of said handrail post therein and a tapered peg which is received in said tapered hole of one of said connector nodes. 